Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa

Treatment list for Anorexia Nervosa: The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Anorexia Nervosa includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

• Normal weight restoration
  • Supplemental feeding
  • Electrolyte imbalance treatments
  • Nutritional counseling
• Medications - usually only after normal weight has been re-established.
  • Antidepressants
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Psychotherapy
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
  • Support groups

Treatments of Anorexia Nervosa discussion: Anorexia is a mental problem manifested in a physical form. Treatment for any eating disorder should include both a mental health professional as well as a primary health care physician. Essential components of successful treatments are ongoing medical care, regular therapy, nutritional counseling, and possibly medication. Eating disorders can be treated with antidepressants, however, this is less effective for anorexia nervosa. Physicians help monitor bone density loss and hear heart rhythm disturbances. Psychologists help identify the important issues and replace destructive thoughts and behaviors with more positive ones. Support groups also play a role in treating anorexia. Often groups of patients will meet weekly to discuss their fears and help each other recover. Most cases of anorexia can be treated successfully, but not instantly. For many patients, treatments may need to be long-term. ¹

The most important thing that family and friends can do to help a person with anorexia is to unconditionally love them. Talk to physicians and/or counselors for help in determining the best way to approach and deal with the situation. People with anorexia will beg and lie to avoid eating and gaining weight; it means giving up the illness and giving up the control. Family and friends should not give in to the pleadings of an anorexic patient, but should not nag them incessantly. Anorexia is an illness that can not be controlled by simple willpower - but rather needs professional guidance. Most important, support the individual without supporting their actions.¹

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Anorexia Nervosa: NWHIC

Last revision: July 1, 2003

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